Donchian channels are used to show volatility, breakouts, and potential overbought/oversold conditions for a security. The Donchian system uses adjustable bands that are set equal to the n-period's highest highs and lowest lows across a moving average. The upper and lower bounds of a Donchian channel can also form effective support and resistance levels, particularly when used in combination with other technical indicators.
Donchian channels also make natural partners with another moving average indicator for a crossover strategy. The Donchian moving average middle line is likely to form the short-term average in these situations, although some have used a 20-day Donchian channel in conjunction with a five- or 10-day channel to exit a position before a consolidation eats into short-term profits.